You've got to be kidding me... Associated Wizarding Press, Atlanta, GA—This month, Muggle fans of Harry Potter received a special treat. After a cruel hoax, that is. Harry Potter author Joanne K. Rowling, to whom Mr. Potter has entrusted his story, revealed that she will name the next chapter of Harry’s life Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The revelation of the book 6 title came on Rowling’s website, following a cruel hoax played by an Internet Hacker (see Hoaxer article, page…), who claimed the book was entitled Harry Potter and the Pillar of Storgé. After dismissing the Storgé claim on her site, Rowling released the new title, an announcement that was confirmed through the muggle press by her publisher. Wizarding fans of Harry Potter were interested and a bit excited, of course, but not overwhelmed. “I suppose muggles, who think the stories are some grand made-up fantasy, would find the title o’ the book fairly interesting,” claims Meryl Muttontop, a local witch. “But we, ‘ere in the wizarding world, have to LIVE through this thing, along with Potter, so calling it one name or another don’t matter much to us.” “And why shouldn’t they be excited?” says Arthur Weasley, a member of the Ministry of Magic. “After all, this really is new, brand new, news for them. I would be excited if a muggle story I was reading ended up with a new title. Or new spark plugs.” Details about the contents of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince are sketchy, but on her website Rowling promises to release more information aboutthe book as soon as she can. She has already revealed that the Prince in question is neither Mr. Potter nor He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Mr. Potter, who’s life is quite intimately detailed in Rowling’s books, declined to comment on the book or its title. “I’m trying to keep as quiet as possible. Not for Ms. Rowling’s safety, but for my own,” said the Boy-Who-Lived, now in hiding in an undisclosed location. “People will know soon enough what my age and status are, but for now, we’ll let them know only what they need to know. Let them read my comments and history in the press—that will be enough.” Further information about the new book, and the possible muggle publication date, will be revealed in due time, as per Ms. Rowling’s request. The Quibbler will continue to update this story (and the status of Mr. Potter) as they develop. |